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Chapter 198
Last Updated:
2022-08-02 10:30:40
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Iridian Chapter 199
The air was thickening between the two of us, ripening with all of the things we couldn’t or wouldn’t say. With today’s events plaguing my mind, I wasn’t sure I wanted those sacred thoughts out in the open. Instead, I chose to lighten the tension.“I’m going to take that as a compliment. Be careful though, insulting your bride on your wedding day could spell disaster.”His lips twitched, perking up into a taunting smile. “Would you run in the middle of the ceremony, darling? I can hear the gasps now. The people of this kingdom would have a field day. The newspapers will read, ‘Cursed King left at the altar, abandoned by the flame-kissed goddess.’ I’m not sure I’ll ever live the scandal down.”I felt my cheeks heat at his description and swatted his hand away as he grazed his knuckles over the curve of my cheek. “Oh, you won’t. It will be cemented in history forever, along with the picture of your face, which will be on the front cover.”“I’ll be the epitome of regret, I’m sure. Starin
Last Updated : 2022-08-02Iridian Chapter 200
I wanted nothing more than to stay up here, hiding from all of my fears and worries with Dain at my side, but there was no escape. The weight of the future was spreading across the horizon, bringing to light all of the things that would change after today.This slice of paradise, towering so high above the earth that I felt untouchable, it couldn’t last forever. Either this would be the last sunrise I ever saw, or I’d be ruling alongside Dain, watching over an entire Kingdom of werewolves from a castle in the clouds.Just as I was about to beg Dain for another moment up here, his eyes glazed over, a tell-tale sign he was being mind linked. The sight lasted but a few seconds when he blinked and cleared his throat. He settled his unnervingly strong stare on my face and sighed softly, seeming just as reluctant to leave as I was.“It appears we have a wedding to get ready for. Apollo’s already found the food, which means we must hurry before he devours everything. He’s an anxious eater, u
Last Updated : 2022-08-04Iridian Chapter 201
The she-wolf assigned as my personal aide had left just before the Russo’s solstice party. Like many of the servants in the castle, she had family in one of the neighboring towns and wanted to make sure they were safe in the middle of the chaos.Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who knew what was brewing. The townspeople had been preparing for the worst for months now.“Now, you didn’t think I’d miss my future Queen’s wedding, did you?” Leslie tutted, fighting the grin that relentlessly turned up her lips. “That’s assuming I still have a job, right? You didn’t replace me, did you?” She narrowed her eyes playfully.“In this economy? I’ve been much too busy to take applications, fighting evil and whatnot.” I smirked.Leslie made a sound of acknowledgment and snapped her fingers, “Not to worry, because I’m back. Now tell me all about what I’ve missed while I do your hair.”With how many people hovered over me, smoothing over imperfections I never once noticed, I wasn’t sure I’d ever t
Last Updated : 2022-08-04Iridian Chapter 202
Helios looked exactly as he had the first time I set eyes on him, back when Iridian was nothing more than a dangerous game.His skin was still a rich shade of bronze, deeply tanned despite the fact that he spent most of his time within the castle walls. It made his golden locks and cerulean eyes stand out, especially when paired with his color-shifting suit.The lapels were a startling shade of blue, the same color one might see when looking up at a clear sky. It seemed the rest of his suit didn’t get the memo, because from the shoulders down, the colors seemed to fade. His suit jacket was dappled with greying clouds drifted across his abdomen, darkening even further as they reached his waistline. As I tore my eyes away from his suit, a jagged shard of lightning carved through the air.Though Helios didn’t look any different, there was something off about him. Perhaps, it was the way he carried himself, the tenseness in his shoulders and rigid set of his jaw. It made sense given we we
Last Updated : 2022-08-05Iridian Chapter 203
A gust of warm magic flared to life in my chest, and I threaded it into my voice, imbuing it with confidence and affection. As I looked down at my golden-haired warrior, I smiled.“Yes, Helios. I accept your pledge.”I could see and feel the joy that exploded from him. It blazed beneath his copper skin, making it shimmer like gold plated diamonds. His eyes turned to brilliant sapphires, flaring to life with the power and heat of the sun. Just when I thought he’d burst into flame, he stood. The smile that tugged at his lips was genuine, so full of happiness that I found myself smiling back, my cheeks aching from how wide it grew.“There’s just one thing left, my Queen. If you’d give me your hand, we can finish the ceremony and hurry to your wedding before Dain starts prowling the castle for us both.” He chuckled deeply, holding out one of his calloused hands.Without hesitation, I placed my hand in his. He flipped it over so that my palm was facing upwards. I watched as the nail on his
Last Updated : 2022-08-05Iridian Chapter 204
The ceremony itself was a blur color and sounds, with both Dain and my family at the center. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t keep my attention on one singular thing.Every so often my eyes would dart from Dain’s face to where my parents and Zack stood. Seconds ticked away, melting into minutes that only steepened the edge I felt I was about to plummet off of.Apollo, who was surprisingly enough, the officiant of the wedding, droned on and on about eternal love and how lucky Dain was to have finally found it within my arms. I had to give it to him, he was quite the actor. When he stepped beneath the arch of fire lilies and glittering crystals, his suit a vibrant shade of oranges and yellows, I could see why Dain had chosen him to lead the ceremony.His bronze eyes glittered with genuine happiness for his friend, and his words were filled with a passion that actually managed to snag my attention for a moment or two. The veracious tone of his voice had the crowd murmuring eagerly. Even Ca
Last Updated : 2022-08-08Iridian Chapter 205
Ten seconds, that’s how long it took for things to go to hell.During that time, I could hear everything. Every shuddering breath from the crowd, every terrified whisper, even Helios grinding his teeth. It was when the veranda doors exploded in a shower of glass and stone that the screaming began.It was impossible to tell which shrieks were from the crowd, and which were from the wind. Both were whipped into a frenzy, but much to my dismay, no one in the crowd attempted to flee.Everyone pushed to the back of the room, crowding around the two thrones seated atop a raised dais, one made from pure gold and the other from a metal the color of darkness. Within the mix were my parents, both pale-faced and clutching Zack to their chests.I’d been so busy staring at them in horror that I almost missed her as she walked in. When I turned towards the source of all the gasps and screeches, I understood. My own jaw slackened in surprise.Nadia had changed since she fled from the Russo’s solstic
Last Updated : 2022-08-08Iridian Chapter 206
“Did you just say Thatcher?” I blurted, my voice echoing in the eerie silence.I couldn’t help it, I had to ask. No one else was speaking up. Not Nadia, whose head swiveled in Antonio’s direction like it was mounted on a metal rod, nor Callum, who had his murderous stare fixated on Dain alone.This had to be the gift the black bull was talking about, but there was still something troubling my mind. Why would the bull think I’d have a hard time letting go of Antonio?I had a strong feeling that Callum didn’t give two shits who Antonio was. The only thing he was interested in was murdering his brother.There wasn’t a chance in hell I forgot about Dain’s little magic trick with the crowd, especially considering illusion magic was Callum’s specialty. I wondered if that was the secret plan he’d been working on all these weeks. Suddenly, him asking for my trust made sense.“Is that what I said?” Dain hummed, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully. Then, as he lost his battle with the smirk curving hi
Last Updated : 2022-08-12
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Iridian Epilogue Pt. 3
I stumbled over my words, forcing them into the space between us where they hovered like a noxious gas. “What—what do you mean? I killed Nadia…I don’t—” The Moon Goddess cut my rambling short by placing the palm of her hand against my cheek. It was something my mom had done whenever I was upset as a child, and somehow the Moon Goddess’s touch held that same level of comfort. She smiled sadly, but it was an expression of pure love and understanding. “Do not punish yourself, daughter. What was left of Nadia’s essence has returned home and rejoined that of her wolf, but her death does not mean Evil is gone from the world. Us celestial beings aren’t allowed to meet our creations, but this situation…it is unique. I’m afraid I cannot tell you much, but there is one who can.” Jumping at the chance to get some answers, to preserve the peace Dain and the warriors fought so hard for, I asked, “Who? Who can?” “It is time to awaken, daughter. It’s in the world of the living where you’ll find
Iridian Epilogue Pt. 2
All I could do was stand there and gape at him. Honesty shone in his eyes like newborn stars, but all it did was leave me confused. I replayed the last twenty-four hours in my head, searching for the moment where I’d won the game between us.When I came up empty handed, I stammered, “I did?”Dain nodded, staring down at me with hooded eyes. “You did.”“How? When?”“As for how, that’s the part where I cheated, I’m afraid. I didn’t admit out loud what I felt for you, but I felt it nonetheless.” He admitted, a sheepish tilt to his lips. “I realized I loved you the moment those doors opened, and you appeared at the top of the steps. I’m not sure I’ll ever forget the way you looked in that gown, which I’ll have to thank Adley for when she returns. You could’ve been an assassin here to put a dagger in my heart and I would’ve gladly let you.”There was an explosion of butterflies in my chest, their wings beating so frantically that the sound of my heartbeat was drowned out.Leaning into Dain
Iridian Epilogue Pt.1
Epilogue – Part OneIn every book, in every movie where a great battle is fought and won, they never show what happens after.I’m not talking about the following weeks or months, but hours and days. I’m talking about when the dust has yet to settle and the ghosts of the dead still linger in the walls, when every gust of wind or insignificant sound sends you freefalling through time. When every shadow bares the face of someone you know—or worse, someone you killed. When all that’s left is this numbing sense of disbelief that tries to trick you into thinking this new reality isn’t real—that it’s all some pitiful hope conjured up by a dying, fear-riddled mind.According to Dain, it’s a time to mourn what was lost while holding those we love near, a chance to silence the ghosts that haunt us by thinking of the future we’d create. When I asked this question, my mate wasn’t the only one with an opinion. In Apollo’s not so humble words, it’s a time to get absolutely plastered and to celebrat
Iridian Chapter 213
The elongated claws tipped with old blood were hers. I couldn’t forget the sight of her gnarled fingers, which had once been slender and elegant, even if I tried.With a loud smack, she flattened her palm against the stone floor. A second arm shot out of the water, followed by another wet smack.‘That puddle’s not nearly big enough for what she’s trying to do…’ Rayna pointed out, her voice just as sickly as I knew my own would be.Both of Nadia’s arms were bent at odd angles as they rose from the water, but that was the least disturbing thing I witnessed as this day began to quickly unfold. Next to appear were her eyes, the whites much too large to be considered normal, followed by the jagged slash that was her smile. In the memories I’d seen, her smile had been coy and playful, with the same softness as a flower’s petals. This one was of malice and envy, both deeply disturbing and in dire need of some chapstick.Her shoulders rose from the water at the same time but were bent awkward
Iridian Chapter 212
It took everything within me not to flinch at the sound of her voice and how close it truly was to my ear. Only when I felt her icy talons meet my skin did I act.‘It’s showtime.’ Rayna murmured, lending me all of her strength as I willed the floor to crumble beneath my feet.Together, my wolf and I fell.Since I was prepared for the impact, it was easy to call on my magic to lessen the blow. Warm air rushed beneath my gown and outstretched arms, acting as a safety net that slowed my fall and kept me from toppling over. It wasn’t the graceful landing I’d been trying for since Nadia was doing something to block our magic, but it kept me from breaking both my ankles on the way down.I didn’t wait for the dust to settle. The moment I felt solid stone beneath my feet, I took off running.Nadia’s snarl was one of surprise and outrage, strong enough that it made the castle tremble. I didn’t repress my grin or the laughter I spewed into the air, knowing both would entice her to follow—to con
Iridian Chapter 211
Nadia launched herself at me, and as she did so, her hair and dress billowed out at her sides. The movement was slow and lazy, almost like she was submerged in water and not hovering a solid three feet in the air. Even though her form was translucent, and she seemed to be neither here nor there, I had a sickening feeling she could still do significant damage if I let her reach me.Instinct took over, and for once in my life, it wasn’t telling me to run.I launched the orb in my hand like it were a baseball, and watched as it spiraled through the air, a small halo of light surrounding it. When it hit its mark, square in the center of Nadia’s face, I silently thanked Aidan for teaching me all those years ago. I had hated every second of his baseball phase, but he’d been so passionate about becoming a professional athlete and whisking us away that I couldn’t resist helping him practice. After a dozen scraped knees, a handful of bruises, and one broken arm, we both called it quits.The in
Iridian Chapter 210
For the longest time all I could hear was the sound of stone grinding against stone.There was a painful burn in my lungs, but I didn’t dare exhale. Instead, I held my breath and watched as the corridors around me shifted. Walls slid left and right, forming new pathways that hadn’t existed before. Many changed angles, creating sharp turns that you couldn’t see coming until it was too late.Some of the windows began to close, melting away as though they’d never been there, while others grew larger. The ones that grew in size turned into arched doorways narrow enough for but one person to slip through.While the castle itself wasn’t a sentient being, every brick and inch of tiled floor was alive with Dain’s magic. I could feel it’s alluring touch within everything I altered and couldn’t help but smile at how eager it was to please me. Even the paintings responded to my call, changing forms until each one was exactly the same.The brash strokes of oil paint shimmered as they changed colo
Iridian Chapter 209
“My sisters, are they safe?” Aidan asked, his voice low.Even with a side view of his face, I could see the way it twisted into a concerned grimace. With eyebrows knitted tightly together and jaw clenched, he pivoted his head from left to right, peering down each corridor as we crept through another intersection. The sword he clutched in his hand, it’s metal an impenetrable black that shimmered with blood, was raised and ready for use.“Is anyone truly safe?” I asked, eyeing one of the windows warily. It would be all too easy for Nadia or one of her monsters to slip through now that the hallways were conjoined. “They’re hidden away. The fight won’t reach them.”His shoulders slumped as much as they could with the defensive stance he held, and a sigh of relief escaped his lips.“Thank the Goddess. Even though I’d see them when I got back, I’m not sure I’d be able to handle it if they were dead.”He didn’t have to explain why, not when the answer hovered in the space between us.There w
Iridian Chapter 208
Selfishly, I tried to call on Helios, to summon him to my side like I’d been told I could. It was what he would’ve wanted, it was why we completed the bond in the first place. The issue was that no one told me how to do it.There was a sense of awareness that settled over me, followed by a wave of understanding that told me Helios was very much alive. He was feeling it too, a subtle tug that let him know I was still here. I concentrated on my golden-haired warrior harder, imagining him as a sword sheathed at my side, ready to be used at moment’s notice.I felt that tug turn into a harsh pull, but there was no smile of victory on my face, because the milky-eyed creature at the end of the hall let out a blood-curdling wail and charged.I’d never been afraid of horror movies, not with their make-shift gore and fake blood. The knowledge that the creepy monster on the television screen wasn’t actually real was enough to smother any fear I might’ve felt. As I scrambled to get away from the
